It’s a “legal blitz” against America’s biggest sports league.
New York and California officials are jointly investigating the NFL over allegations of workplace discrimination and a “hostile work environment” at various offices. New York and California Attorneys General Letitia James and Rob Bonta are investigating alleged violations of federal and state pay equity laws and anti-discrimination laws. The NFL faces multiple pending lawsuits filed by women who were former employees.
“No person should ever have to endure harassment, discrimination, or objectification in the workplace,” James said in a statement. “No matter how powerful or influential, no institution is above the law, and we will ensure the NFL is held accountable.” Bonta added “We have serious concerns about the NFL’s role in creating an extremely hostile and detrimental work environment.”
The pair announced the investigations on Thursday and cited in their announcement lawsuits including a race discrimination complaint filed by a Black female employee and a sexual harassment suit from a woman who was an NFL Network wardrobe stylist. They also referenced a 2022 New York Times report which found more than 30 former female employees had alleged gender discrimination and retaliation after they filed complaints with the NFL’s HR.
The NFL said in a statement to news outlets that the allegations are “entirely inconsistent with the NFL’s values and practice” and it does “not tolerate discrimination in any form.”
Recent history suggests that the NFL has issues with regard to the allegations.
In 2021, Las Vegas Raiders head Coach Jon Gruden stepped down after a trove of his misogynistic and homophobic emails was detailed by the New York Times. It was also found by the Times that he contributed to (but was not responsible for creating) a hostile work environment.
Notably, in 2022, the House Oversight Committee launched an inquiry into allegations of workplace misconduct by the Washington Commanders owner, Dan Snyder; the investigation concluded that the team created a “toxic work culture” that ignored and downplayed sexual misconduct for more than two decades.
And in February 2022, former Miami Dolphins head coach Brian Flores filed a class-action lawsuit against the NFL and teams for alleged racial discrimination with regard to coaching hiring and firing.
